Summary of passage: After having just warned the Romans that what matters is the heart and just because you are outwardly obeying doesn’t mean you have salvation, Paul comforts the Jews, saying that they are God’s chosen people and God is still faithful to them and to His promises to them.
Questions:
3a) Part personal Question. My answer: The Jews of the day (as we discussed last lesson in Day 4 & Day 5) believed they were superior to others because they were chosen by God and they were circumcised. They thought they could do whatever they wanted (sin-wise) and still receive salvation. Paul explained in Romans 2 this is not the case. I don’t have any expectations in terms of spiritual advantages. Yes, I’ve been blessed to know God since a child, but I have no expectations because of this.
b) Part personal Question. My answer: They were chosen by God and before Jesus guaranteed a spot in heaven. Imagine being chosen in pagan times before people could read and write to keep God’s words and prophecies until Jesus came. Awesome! Having God’s word and the Bible is a huge advantage. We are not brainwashed as to what God says. His words are not twisted. We can read all He expects of us and all He desires of us and all of our comforts and His promises as well. It’s an amazing blessing!
4) God promised Abraham to make him and his offspring into a great nation. He will bless them and curse all who oppose him. God gave him the land of Canaan to live on. He promises His people abundance. He is our life (awesome!), the reason for being, the reason for progress. He will always be with us and be His nation. All of these promises still hold for the Jews.
5) You. Free Will. God does not tempt anyone.
Conclusions: Jews first. Gentiles second. Good lesson when we get on our high horse as a Gentile. For me, I’m just happy He chose me too! Order does not matter!
End Notes: In Romans 9:4 Paul will expound more on the advantages the Jewish people have. The Jews have a duty when God entrusted them with His word (the Old Testament). It’s a big responsibility to disseminate it, keep it, and spread it!
Paul says just because the Jews in general have rejected Jesus doesn’t mean God has abandoned them! God never fails His people!
Verse 4: God cannot lie. God does not change. What Gods says is the Truth.
